Drexel University Sacramento Announces Three Recipients of Civic Engagement Scholarships

Drexel University Sacramento today announced that three Sacramentoarea women have been awarded the Civic Engagement Scholarship.

Becky Johnson

Becky Johnson and Stephanie Landrum of Sacramento, and Kristine Cassidy of Yuba City, will each receive $15,000 scholarships to attend Drexel’s graduate program in Sacramento. The scholarship can be applied to tuition for any of the part-time graduate degree programs offered by Drexel.

Drexel University Sacramento offers the scholarships as a continuation of its effort to develop the next generation of business, nonprofit and civic leaders whose skills will be of great importance to the future of the Sacramento region.

Kristine Cassidy

"Drexel takes tremendous pride in being acknowledged for its innovation and the many ways we partner with community groups in the Greater Sacramento region,” said Dr. Sandra Kirschenmann, Associate Vice Provost and Executive Director of Drexel University Sacramento. “We are proud to welcome three accomplished women like Kristine Cassidy, Becky Johnson and Stephanie Landrum. I’m delighted that we can provide these scholarships to such deserving recipients. Our dynamic program will give them the opportunity to position themselves as leaders in both their careers and communities.”

  

Stephanie Landrum

Scholarship finalists were interviewed by the award committee, which was comprised of leaders of the Sacramentoregion’s chambers of commerce and civically engaged partners.

Johnson is enrolled in Drexel’s MBA program. She is the Senior Manager for PG&E’s Sacramentodivision, which includes Sacramento, Yolo, Solano and Colusa counties. She heads up the Energy Solutions & Service group and the division leadership team, which is focused on energy efficiency and resolving customer and public safety issues.

Johnson has worked in the field of urban infrastructure for two decades, with previous positions in the construction, engineering and manufacturing sectors.

She is a senior fellow and executive committee board member of the American Leadership Forum. Previously, she served as chair for Leadership Sacramento, president of the Junior League of Sacramento, and she is a graduate of Sacramento’s City Management Academy and the FBI Citizens’ Academy.

An avid runner, she has completed more than 25 ultramarathons (longer than standard 26.2 mile distance). She is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley.

A driving reason for choosing Drexel is the university’s commitment to the community.

“My family has always been civically engaged, and Drexel’s values closely align with my own,” said Johnson, who grew up in Auburn. “Plus, the curriculum and cohort structure will enable me to learn new concepts and skills.”

Landrum has been employed by Kaiser Permanente for the past six years and is currently the Community Benefit Health Specialist for the South Sacramento Service Area. She feels Drexel’s Executive Masters program in Public Health (MPH) will be a tremendous asset to her career.

Cassidy, an MBA student at Drexel, has enjoyed a long, fulfilling career in healthcare, working just over 25 years for the Rideout Health group in Yuba City. She and her husband, John, have been active volunteers in Yuba City, where they have lived since 1985. She has been a Yuba City Rotary member for seven years and the Cassidys frequently volunteer for local fundraising efforts.

“I’m so appreciative of being awarded this grant by Drexel,” Cassidy said. “Drexel shares my passion to help the community. I really look forward to the formal, critical thinking skills that I will learn at Drexel. The MBA program was exactly what I was looking for in a graduate program.”

Cassidy was born in Yuba City, but her family quickly relocated to Ukiah. She attended California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo and departed with a degree in nutrition. Cassidy returned to the classroom at California StateUniversity, Chico and earned a masters degree in nutrition.

Cassidy has held numerous management and administrative positions with Rideout Health and is currently the Vice President of Extended Care Services. In her spare time, Cassidy is an avid hiker and also enjoys cycling and golf.

All of Drexel’s academic programs are focused at the heart of Greater Sacramento’s growth and economic development initiatives – health, entrepreneurial business, human resources and education.

Drexel – a top-ranked, national comprehensive university – currently offers students seven master's, one doctorate and one post-baccalaureate program designed for working professionals in the fields of entrepreneurial business, human resource development, higher education and health care.

In September 2013, Drexel launched its first full-time undergraduate program in business for students who have finished at least the first two years of their undergraduate education.

For more information about Drexel University Sacramento’s programs in California, visit www.drexel.edu/sacramento or call (916) 325-4600.

Creepy Crawly Creature Feature coming to Rocklin Sept. 22

Annie’s SnoBiz Goes Beyond The Shaved Ice To Help Children in Need

Annie Renee of Annie's SnoBiz

When Annie Renee sells shaved ice at Annie’s SnoBiz, she’s doing her part to fight global hunger.

Every day, she puts money aside from her profits into what she calls her “Jesus Jar,” dedicated to helping support Feed My Starving Children, a Christian non-profit organization that provides tens of millions of meals each year to malnourished children around the world.

Annie’s Sno Biz was “truly a gift from God,” founder and owner of the shaved ice truck, Annie says.  After being a stay-at-home mom for 20 years, Renee believed “God had put this in my lap” once the last of her three children left for college.

The idea of having some type of food truck had always resonated in the thoughts of the family.  “My husband initially had a mini donut idea,” Renee said, “but the idea for shaved ice was what God wanted us to do.”

Renee felt it was important to give back to God which is where she came up with the idea of a “Jesus Jar.”  Renee has been donating a little over a year and has already given more than a thousand dollars to the organization.

The family participated in last year’s Feed My Starving Children MobilePack at William Jessup University. “It was nice to be active in the packing action,” Renee said, “and be a part of what happens behind the finances.”

Annie’s SnoBiz has been in business for three years and she doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. “Seeing the kid’s expressions on their face after they have their first bite is my favorite part,” Annie said. “I plan on doing this until I can’t walk anymore.”

The shaved ice truck is regularly located on the corner of Harding and Douglas roads in Roseville.  Follow Annie on Twitter at @anniessnobiz to find out where the truck is each day and other updates about the company.

For information on supporting this year’s Feed My Starving Children MobilePack in Rocklin, please visit www.sacfmscmobilepack.org

U.S. HealthWorks Releases List of Top Workplace Injuries

As Labor Day Approaches, Make Your Labor More Safe: Tips for Avoiding Common Workplace Injuries

 U.S. HealthWorks, a leading national operator of medical centers to treat on-the-job injuries, today released its annual list of top workplace injuries – with tips to avoid them.

At the top spot: back injuries, with more than twice as many back injuries as the No. 2 injury -- finger cuts, followed by shoulder sprains, sprained necks and leg/knee injuries.

U.S. HealthWorks, which operates 208 centers and work sites around the country, developed the injury ranking based on patient visits – more than 12,000 patients come to the centers every day.

“Labor Day is a great day to celebrate the achievements of American workers,” said Dr. Leonard M. Okun, National Medical Director for U.S. HealthWorks. “But too often workers are injured in situations where the injuries could be easily avoided.”

“Back injuries remain the most common of industrial injuries,” Dr. Okun said.  “The back is a great system of muscle and bone that can create tremendous force and withstand considerable abuse. However, when back injuries do occur they can be physically and emotionally debilitating – and often require drastic measures to heal.”

Back injuries frequently take place on the job and aren't exclusive to just outdoor workers. Injuries are also common for office workers, often due to improper setup of the work station or not lifting properly. The lower back is the most common site of back injuries and back pain.

U.S. HealthWorks provides the ”right care, right away” to help employees recover from injuries so they can return to their jobs or work in modified assignments. U.S. HealthWorks also provides pre-employment screening to ensure that job candidates can do the work and works with employers to properly design work stations to reduce the risk of injuries.

To avoid back injuries and other common neck, leg and knee strains, U.S. HealthWorks doctors recommend:

• Morning stretching exercises, about 5 minutes.
• Learn proper lifting techniques, including:

1.      Stand close to the load with your feet shoulder-width apart.

2.      Squat down keeping your back in neutral posture.

3.      Get a firm close grasp of the object before beginning the lift.

4.      Lift with your legs and in a smooth manner.

·         

• When possible, divide up loads to be lifted to east the strain on your back.

For office workers, make sure your work station is situated to help your back, including:

• Sitting in chairs with straight backs or low-back support.
• If possible, keep your knees a bit higher than your hips by adjusting your seat or using a low stool to prop up your feet.
• If you’re standing for long periods, try resting one foot on a low stool to relieve pressure on your lower back. At 5 to 15 minute intervals, switch the foot you are resting on the stool.

Dr. Okun said workers can avoid cuts – the second most common injury – by taking greater care as they go about their jobs. Be aware of your surroundings and possible sharp objects and treat them with caution, as well as watching where you walk and spotting obstacles.

“We will never eliminate on-the-job injuries because accidents happen,” Dr. Okun said. “But taking precautions and analyzing situations carefully can help people avoid many of these common injuries.”

About U.S.HealthWorks

U.S. HealthWorks, a subsidiary of Dignity Health, is one of the country’s largest operators of occupational healthcare centers with 208 clinics and worksites in 19 states and more than 2,700 employees, including about 800 medical providers. Our centers collectively serve more than 12,000 patients each day, providing quality medical care to help employees return to work and allow employers to effectively manage  claims and reduce lost work time. U.S. HealthWorks also offers special early return-to-work, injury prevention and ergonomics programs. For more information, please visit www.ushealthworks.com or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

LIBERTY UTILITIES WARNS PUBLIC OF DECEPTIVE CALLS

Liberty Utilities, a utility company servicing the Lake Tahoe area, is warning the public that individuals claiming to represent Liberty and demanding payment over the phone have been reported by its customers. Liberty Utilities representatives would not be placing calls to customers for payment. Liberty encourages customers who receive such a call to contact us at
1-800-782-2506.

“We appreciate our customers contacting us about these deceptive calls from individuals claiming to represent Liberty, Pacific Electric or other so-called utilities,” stated Sam Rohn, Liberty Utility’s Environmental, Health, Safety & Security Manager. “We encourage our customers not to give out any proprietary or personal information.  Liberty Utilities will already have your specific account information on record.”

Rohn also recommended customers visit www.libertyutilities.com/west to find out the latest information about the utility, including potentially harmful scams such as this. The website also offers information on services offered by the utility, including free energy audits and recycling rebates.

William Jessup University Reports Record-Breaking Enrollment

Momentum Continues Amid Expansion and New Programs

William Jessup University's record-breaking student
enrollment on their first day of school

William Jessup University on Wednesday, August 28 began its 2013-14 academic year with the largest enrollment in the university’s 74-year history. The university has reported continued growth in enrollment during the past four consecutive years.

William Jessup’s enrollment is up 10 percent from last fall to over 1,100 students, including the largest number of new students (just over 300) attending the Greater Sacramento region’s only private four-year, residential university. In addition, this is the largest incoming first time freshmen class to date.

"William Jessup University continues to be recognized for the excellent higher education value we are providing in Northern California, the Western United States, and in Canada,” said Jessup’s President, Dr. John Jackson.  “As we continue to make progress to being a Distinguished Christ-Centered University, an increasing number of students and family are seeing us as the provider of choice for affordable excellence in higher education.  We are excited at the ongoing story of growth and expansion that is happening at the University.”

As the university continues to expand its’ reach, incoming students are represented from 17 different states across the United States and Canada.

William Jessup has regularly added to its curriculum and now offers degrees in a variety of disciplines, including Biology, Business Administration, Family and Children’s Ministry, English, History, Intercultural Studies, Creative Arts, Education, Math, Music, Pastoral Ministry, Psychology, Public Policy and Youth Ministry.

Earlier this month, the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) unanimously approved William Jessup University for full membership in the prestigious higher education organization.

Three of the largest majors declared by the incoming students are Business, Psychology, and Liberal Studies or Teacher Education. William Jessup University offers over 50 majors and programs in its traditional program including an accelerated degree program geared for working professionals.

New programs including Biology and Creative Arts have attracted students and exceeded anticipated projections. The new biology lab and creative arts studio in addition to a new media lab provide students with state-of-the-art facilities.

Last fall, William Jessup unveiled a $17 million campus expansion that added new dining, athletic and classroom facilities to accommodate a growing number of students to its 128-acre campus.

Known as a military-friendly university, William Jessup welcomes approximately seven new students honoring the latest provision to the GI Bill, known as the Yellow Ribbon Program. Overall, there are 41 students enrolled in the program that allows any veteran who has served on active duty for at least 36 aggregate months since 9/11 to have the complete cost of tuition covered in any program the University offers.  

Of the new students, 74 are student athletes joining the ranks of the substantial sports program Jessup continues to build, that includes volleyball, men and women’s soccer, men and women’s basketball, golf, cross country/track and softball.

For more information on William Jessup University, please visit www.jessup.edu or call (916) 577-2200.

About William Jessup University

Founded in 1939 by William Jessup, the University moved to Rocklin, California, in August 2004. WJU is the first and only WASC accredited private four-year university to have its main campus located in the greater Sacramento area, offering degrees in many different disciplines, including Biology, Business Administration, Family & Children’s Ministry, English, History, Intercultural Studies, Creative Arts, Education, Math, Music, Pastoral Ministry, Psychology, Public Policy and Youth Ministry. WJU also offers a School of Professional Studies (SPS) at its campuses in Rocklin and San Jose. Program concentrations include Business Administration, Christian Leadership, Counseling Psychology, Organizational Leadership and a Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Credential Program. For more information, please visit www.jessup.edu or call (916) 577-2200.

Sample the Sierra to take place Sept. 1 in South Lake Tahoe

Sample the Sierra Pairings Announced

 The 4^th annual Sample the Sierra festival will feature 16 different tasting booths, each showcasing the variety of textures, flavors, and styles of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.  New this year, attendees can look forward to sampling locally made spirits from Tahoe Moonshine Distillery and Tahoe Blue Vodka, and ice cold beers from Great Basin Brewery and Stateline Brewery.  The beverages will be paired with food samples made by area chefs from fresh produce donated by local farms.  Sample the Sierra is a perfect opportunity to try food and drinks from the local’s favorite places for the low admission price of $30.  Below is a list of the participating food and beverage providers.  For a full list of festival participants and ancillary events, or to purchase tickets, visit www.samplethesierra.com.

The event will take place on September 1 on Ski Run Boulevard in South Lake Tahoe from 1 to 5 pm.

Crystal Basin Bistro

Crystal Basin Cellars

Patrick's Mountain Grown

Primo's Italian Bistro

Auriga Wine Cellars

Humble Bee Hill Farms

Café Fiore

Madroña Vineyards

Toscano Family Farm

Riva Grill

Grace Patriot Wines

Sierra Meat & Seafood

Blue Angel Café

Bumgarner Winery

Heart Rock Herb and Spice Company

The Boathouse on the Pier

C.G. Di Arie

Mountain Bounty Farm

Exquisite Grill

Stateline Brewery

Tahoe Spice works

Sugar Pine Bakery

Tahoe Ridge Winery

Nancy's Green Barn Farm

MacDuff's Pub

Findleton Estate & Winery

Perez Red Shack

Nepheles Creative Ca Cuisine

Boeger Winery

Sierra Valley Farms

The Ridge Tahoe/Hungry Bear Restaurant

Colibri Ridge Winery & Vineyard

Nevada Fresh Pak

Getaway Café

Lava Cap Winery

Rainbow Orchards

Zephyr Cove Restaurant

Great Basin Brewing Co.

Beals Orchards

The Sierra Kombucha Company

Tahoe Blue Vodka

Pine-o-Mine

Tahoe Private Chef

Narrowgate Vineyards

Harris Tree Farm

The Yum Truck

Tahoe Moonshine Distillery

Hooverville Orchards